Annie fans lend support to Kidney Foundation of Jamaica

The Kidney Support Foundation of Jamaica recently used entertainment to raise funds for patients suffering from kidney-related illnesses. The event took the shape of a movie premiere, as the foundation invited parents, the corporate community and general movie goers to share in the excitement for a worthy cause.

The first Annie film dates back to 1982. However, the 2014 version starring Jamie Foxx and Quvenzhane Wallis is the current talk of the town, due to its updated musical scenes, a new cast led by two African Americans and of course, the esteemed industry players involved in the production process which includes Sean 'Jay Z' Carter and Will Smith.

The premiere was held at the Carib theatre, and hundreds of patrons wielding their $3,000 tickets turned out to show their support of the foundation.

Important themes

According to Pamela Allen Sutherland, national coordinator, Kidney Support Foundation of Jamaica, the movie not only delivers a strong punch of entertainment, but also draws attention to important themes such as kindness, determination and persistence.

"We selected Annie because it has a wonderful theme to it and it aligns with the Christmas season perfectly," she said.

Sutherland also told The Gleaner, that the foundation is trying to find groundbreaking and engaging means to raise funds which led to the idea of hosting Annie's premiere in Carib. She also hinted that more unorthodox charity initiatives will be launched under The Kidney Support Foundation in the near future.

"As time gets a little harder, we have to be a little more dynamic in the marketplace, and so we have to find various ways to raise funds, not just to take a tin and go out there and ask people for their hard earned cash. So we are really exchanging, we are giving you entertainment and you are giving us something towards that entertainment," she said.

The Foundation recently collaborated with the JUTC to host a Patient Day event at Tapioca Village in St Mary for kidney patients. During the event, patients received donations of supplies which will prove relevant in the Christmas season.

Excellent idea

Shelley Smith, a patron at the movie premiere, credited organisers for their work.

"It's excellent that they decided to host this movie, especially now in the Christmas season, and it's a family movie that everybody can enjoy. The event is covering a couple of things, persons are socialising and at the same time, creating awareness about kidney disease. It is unfortunate that we are unable to cater to as many patients as we would have liked ... . That is why I appreciate what The Kidney Support Foundation is doing, trying to spread the word and trying to help as many persons as possible," she said.

Annie is currently nominated for a Golden Globe Award and a NAACP Image Award.